What is the signal for a vessel underway making way?

• A. One short blast
• B. One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
• C. Two prolonged blasts every 2 minutes
• D. Two short blasts

Answer: (B)

In restricted visibility, ships use sound signals to communicate status so others can predict movement and avoid collisions. A vessel that is underway and moving forward (making way) uses a single long blast at regular intervals—specifically, not more than every two minutes. This tells nearby vessels that you are actively proceeding and not stationary, helping them gauge your position and track your threat of collision.

This is the best choice because it matches the standard signal for a moving vessel in fog: a long blast repeated at up to two-minute intervals to indicate ongoing forward movement. The other patterns correspond to different situations (such as not making way, being stationary, or signaling other maneuvers) and do not indicate that you are currently making way.